Like many other things in civilized life this depends on one's sense of honor and doing what is right. The way I was brought up I could never even imagine walking out on a check.

My husband and I have done that only once: in Paris. We were at a sidewalk cafe, having a leisurely, delicious dinner, ruined only by the smarmy waiter, who tried in vain to impress me and rather slyly insulted my husband. When we were ready to go, we signalled for the check. Several times, the waiter ignored us, then acknowledged us with "be right with you" motions. This went on several times--all over the course of about 20 minutes. Finally, he disappeared for about 15 minutes. When we saw him again, we signalled once more, and again he impatiently gave us the "in a minute" sign. Frustrated, we stood up to leave. The waiter ignored us still, so we just made our way through the tables and out onto the street, then ducked around a corner and ran up the alley to the Eiffel Tower. We felt terrible about it, but somehow felt the waiter got what he deserved, which we hoped was a chewing-out by the management. The cafe was not terribly busy at the time, so there was no reason for such a seemingly deliberate attempt to irritate us. We still talk about the "dine and dash" we did in Paris, but both still feel a bit guilty about it.

I've actually done it a few times in my life but a.) it was unintentional, and b) each one was more of a bar tab and not a traditional restaurant tab. In each instance it wasn;t that big of a deal because the bartenders had my credit card, and each time I realized it the next mornign and called the place imediately to explain. Each time, the managers of the places were more than understanding and said it's a common occurance. Each time, I was sure to add a significant tip, earmarked for the bartenders who wore working as a peace offerring.

I've only walked out on a check once. Several years ago, we ate in a restaurant in Catonville - I can't remember the name and can't find a listing that sounds like it - where the service had previously been OK, but that night it was just awful. The room was almost empty and service was still so slow that we skipped coffee and asked for the check which the waitress said she'd get to us but never did. I walked over to ask the hostess for the check and she acted insulted. We decided to make a show of putting on our coats. Giggling like mad, we got each other all buttoned up and scarved and still no check. Walked slooooowly across the room. Still no acknowledgement. Walked up to and through the door, asking each other, "Now what the hell do we do?"

Where the Big Bad Wolf BBQ place in Hamilton is now, there used to be a tiny diner called the Toddle House. RayRay probably remembers it. Anyway, I knew of several people who would go there every now and again, late at night to eat and then leave without paying. They called it "The Dine-N-Dash", even referring to the place by that name rather than its real one.

I could never do that because it felt too much like stealing, which it was.

In Eve's and mededitor's cases, I can understand why they left without paying. Seemed like the staff didn't want their money.

I, too, can understand why you'd walk, Eve and mededitor, but I'd probably have estimated what my bill came to and left that much. If I had cash...

I hate be reasonable here. You contracted with the restaurant owner for food and services, not the waitron. It's your obligation to pay. Leaving without paying is stealing from the owner. If you had poor service then don't leave a tip, but you have to pay for the food, even if it is an effort.

Walking the check was done more times than anywhere at Howard Johnson's in Pikesville (when there was a Hojos in Pikesville). Why? Because you once you ordered, were served and ate your food (which was a 2 - 3 hour ordeal in and of itself) your server was sure to never be seen again with the bill. The line in front to be seated was long. There were people paying, people sitting at the counter and people buying carryout all at the same time.

I, however; took the high road and went to the cashier with my coat on explaining "I'd be glad to pay my check if you can find my server and get it". That always took care of the problem. And, my partner says I'm a goody two shoes, so I just couldn't do it!

I'll leave a restaurant without paying only when I've waited forever and a day for the check. I figure I'll get a check if I look like I'm leaving, and sure enough, I never manage to get all the way out the door. When it happens, I leave VERY little tip for the server, if any. Interestingly, this has only happened in chain restaurants.

PCB Rob,
Yes I remember the Toddle House. I seem to remember that it was a Steak and Egg before that. Call it what you want,dine & dash - walking the check, it's still stealing.

That's just pretty inconsiderate of a person to not pay their bill at a restaurant. Regardless of the service, you are not just "punishing" the server, but it costs the restaurant money. You ate the food, did you not? Then that means that the restaurant had to use part of its stock of food/drink to feed you.
I'm not sure what the experiences were at these restaurant situations mentioned above, but I sincerely hope the 'walkers' took the courtesy in looking beyond their own tables to see that perhaps the server was tending to the rest of his section - which is mostly the case. If anyone has ever been a server, they will recognize that most impatient diners do not notice that the server's section is full or very busy. Perhaps another table is continuously asking the server for things, causing him to be held up.
I hope people that walk out on checks at restaurants do not find themselves wondering why we are in an economic depression currently.